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It’s a new year and a new day and if you’re like me, you’re still working from home. Trust me, that’s not a complaint. While I miss real human interaction, you know, that doesn’t involve a screen, I like working at my own pace. I like the ability to lean into the times I’m most productive. I even like the ability to zone out with minimal interruptions.
Even though that’s all true, it did take some time to get used to the new norm. That’s why when I moved, I made a point to create a space that made me feel calm even during the uncertainty. Here are 10 work from home essentials that are sure to boost your productivity and energy:
1. A Stylish Desk Chair
When I first started working from home, my couch was my office. I had a desk and a chair, but I never used them. No wonder my back was always hurting.
Now, I have a yellow velvet bucket chair that looks and feels lux down to its golden legs. Not only is it comfortable, but when I’m seated, it feels like a hug. Also, I love, love the bold yellow, it’s an instant mood booster. It feels like me, which was a plus given nobody knows when (or if) we’ll return to the office. This is the same velvet tufted upholstered chair I own in different colors.
2. Bamboo Desk Organizer
I bought this organizer to hold a desktop screen that was collecting dust beneath my desk. When I moved from New Jersey, I threw it out but kept the organizer. With all the Teams and Zoom meetings, I needed something to give my work computer height.
I like that this organizer has compartments to hold my phone, mug and pens. I bought it from Amazon. You can find it here.
3. Colorful Pens
If your days are running into each other, switch it up with colorful pens. For me, colorful pens break the monotony of the day and business approach from black and blue ink.
Also, when I’m overwhelmed, I always brain dump everything that’s on my mind. Using an outline, I write each section in a different ink color so that I can visualize my thoughts better. As a writer, I prefer rolling ball pens. My thoughts might look like chicken scratch, but it’s all on the page, which often times is the hardest part of the process. If you’re interested, I’ve linked to a similar retractable 5-pack of pens.
4. Candle
I used to keep a candle on my desk for an instant mood boost. But, in a check-in, a friend said he lights a candle at the start of his workday. During his lunch break, he blows it out and relights it when he resumes work. He said it’s a simple routine that helps his brain acknowledge that it’s time to work. I loved that idea so much, I’ve started lighting a candle at the start of my day, too.
5. Positive Affirmations
Let’s face it, working from home has it’s perks, but it does play with your mind. Sometimes, you need positive affirmations to get through the day. That’s why I keep mine close by. As you can see, I believe in the power of a “dream.” I also believe that “beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” And as a bonus, my candle holder happens to read “let light in.”
6. Words of Encouragement
When you work from home, it’s easy to forget that so many people are working towards the same goal. That’s why I keep letters and postcards on the wall near my desk from friends and former team members. They remind me of the good ole days at the office. It also reminds me that we’re all in this together – regardless of what the day brings.
7. A Reminder of How Far You’ve Come
I don’t know about you but since the work from home orders, my job has changed. I’ve taken on more responsibilities, I’ve stepped up into leadership roles on my team as well as a council, too. And sometimes, I get overwhelmed by the tasks as well as everything else going on in the world.
When that happens, I look up and I’m reminded how far I’ve come by looking at my degrees. They remind me that I can do it and that sometimes, the struggle is necessary. Without struggle, I wouldn’t be where I am right now in my life and in my career.
8. Creative Outlets
Though I created a space so that I can work from home, I didn’t want it to be all work and no play. As such, I’ve added my DSLR to remind me that I can work my 9 to 5 and work towards my personal goals, too. I’ve added a microphone because I want to start a podcast, but I haven’t given it the time or thought to create it. But seeing it there is a reminder of the goal. I also added a handheld Ms. Pacman game as a reminder to step away from my screen every once in a while.
9. A Piece of Home
Moving away from your loved ones is never an easy decision. But, it helps when you have their blessings AND when you have something to remind you of them.
That’s why I keep a bundle of cards my siblings wrote me and my love at my desk. They wrote them to us during our going away party that was Philly-themed. I’m talking cheesesteaks, pretzels, TastyKakes and peanut chews, too. I read them every couple of hours during our journey here. I also keep a gold elephant with its trunk towards the door above my desk. It reminds me of my grandparents.
10. A Reminder of Your One-Word Definition
In my day job, I have the pleasure of working with aspiring writers. As an icebreaker, I ask each student to put their one-word definition in the chatbox. We then create stories around their one-word definition and I always share mine, too.
Regardless of the tasks I do in my day job, my one-word definition is always a writer. I make a point to explain that what I do and how I define myself might be different, but how I define myself is most important. And I do it because I want them to know the power of the tongue when it comes to their dreams.
But.
If I’m being honest, for years, crisp pages remained in notebooks stashed on overflowing bookshelves. Too many pens piled in dusty unorganized drawers of file cabinets. There was no sign of my one-word definition in sight. And I definitely wasn’t writing as much as I should have been.
So, now, I keep a clip of an old O, the Oprah Magazine article that’s glued onto cardboard in eyesight. It says “Put It in Words” with six steps to do just that. Those six steps, which include “buy a fast pen and a cheap notebook,” help me curve writers’ block. It also reminds me of the dream I’m still working towards. Only this time, on my terms. I’m no longer willing to devalue this site for another site. It sounds crazy, I know, but that’s what I did for too long. Now, I like knowing that I can build this blog and enhance my writing skills one blog post at a time. And should my students stumble upon my work, know that they can too!
